Hawthorn

Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, hawthorn is recognized by its thorny branches and clusters of delicate white or pink flowers. Loved for its properties of protection, fertility, and purification, it also has deep ties to the realm of the Fae. They say if you fall asleep under a hawthorn tree, you could be kidnapped by the Fae and taken to the Other Realm.

While it’s mostly known for its role in fertility magic in the pagan community, hawthorn is also recognised as the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus’ head when he was crucified. In Serbia, it was the go-to wood for crafting Vampire stakes. Talk about a popular and powerful plant!

The smell it’s little blossoms give off doesn’t quite match them in sweetness. Triethylamine is the chemical that is released in the first signs of decaying flesh – and it’s exactly this chemical that gives hawthorn flowers their scent. This associates hawthorn with death, but therefore, transformation. Use this plant wisely.

Here are some ways hawthorn has been traditionally used in witchcraft:

• Twigs and small branches of hawthorn are hung above doorways to ward evil 
• Maypoles were traditionally made out of hawthorn wood for its fertile powers
• Colourful strips of fabric made with natural fibres are hung on the branches of the tree as offerings to the Fae 
• Using hawthorn in fertility or love spells is a potent addition
• The thorns of a hawthorn tree are considered a powerful tool to carve sigils or symbols into wax
• Amulets are made out of the berries, flowers, branches, or leaves to protect the wearer
• Divination practices are enhanced by this magical plant

It’s also a wonderful addition to spells manifesting happiness and optimism, and if you brew it in a tea with some honey it can soothe a sore throat.

Hawthorn is a go to for any witches seeking protection, fertility magic, and connection with the Fae. From love attraction to happiness, working with the Celtic pantheon and more, the powers of this tree have stood the test of time.